What is an Allied Health Assistant?

The AHANA Board carefully considered the question of "what is an Allied Health Assistant?" in establishing Membership By-law 2022-01 Membership classes, membership application procedures and recognition of non-member credentials (accessible from the Policy Library).

The definition in the following recording, and in the text below the video, is contained in Schedule 1 of the Membership By-law.

 

 

AHANA's Definition of an Allied Health Assistant

An Allied Health Assistant is a healthcare worker who has demonstrated competencies to provide person-centred, evidence-informed therapy and support to individuals and groups, to help protect, restore and maintain optimal function, and promote independence and well-being.

An Allied Health Assistant works:

1. within a defined scope of practice and in a variety of settings, where they actively foster a safe and inclusive environment; and
2. ​under the delegation and supervision of an Allied Health Professional.

The level of supervision may be direct, indirect or remote and is dependent on the Allied Health Assistant’s demonstrated competencies, capabilities and experience.